- Building or about to launch a Shopify store
- Want to know what needs testing before the store goes live
- Want a checklist that can be ticked off point by point
- Want to catch errors before your customers do
Go through the store as a customer would. Start on the homepage, find a collection, open a product, and add it to the cart. Use both a computer and a mobile device, and note anything that doesn't work. Ideally, have someone with fresh eyes test it—someone who hasn't built the store.
The homepage: 8 things to check
The homepage is often the first thing a customer sees. Everything here must work and be accurate.
1. The homepage works on mobile
Open it on a phone and check that everything displays and functions correctly.
2. All menu links work
Click on every item. None should lead to an empty collection.
3. Social proof is displayed correctly
Reviews and similar content must link to the correct profile.
4. The text has been proofread
No spelling errors, and everything should read well.
5. Your USPs are clear
They should be used where the customer sees them.
6. Legal pages are in place
They must be accessible, and the information must be accurate.
7. The footer is correct
Check the phone number, email, and address.
8. Social icons link correctly
Each icon must lead to the right profile.
Here, the menu should have led the customer to the right collection, and the filter should lead them on to the right product. Read more about it in Conversion Optimization Before Scaling.
9. The collection displays the correct products
Check that each collection contains what it should.
10. The filter works and makes sense
Look for errors such as incorrect counts or missing colors.
11. The collection page works on mobile
Test it on a phone.
12. Sold-out products are not displayed
The customer should not see products that cannot be purchased.
13. Breadcrumbs are in place
The customer should be able to see where they are.
14. Product images are consistent
Avoid a random mix of lifestyle images and product shots.
This is where the customer decides on the product.
15. Product images look good
Check that the formats are correct.
16. All variants work
Try every size, color, or other option.
17. Thumbnails make it easy to browse
The customer should be able to easily move to the next image.
18. The buy button works
It should add the product to the cart.
Uncertainty about delivery and payment late in the process can cause an otherwise convinced customer to abandon their cart. If you are switching payment providers, also read Shopify Payments vs. PensoPay and QuickPay.
19. A product can be added to the cart without errors
Check that no errors appear.
20. Upsell in the cart works
If you have one, test it with different products.
21. The total amount is correct
Check that the sum is correct.
22. Delivery methods are added and correct
Check them at checkout.
23. Payment methods are added and correct
Check them at checkout.
24. The stated delivery price is correct
Compare it with what you actually charge.
25. The stated delivery time is correct
The customer must be able to trust what is stated.
The checklist focuses on what the customer sees and does. It does not cover account, domain, theme, or SEO setup. Use it as a final check before opening the store to customers. If you want a broader overview of the platform, read our guides What is Shopify, and how does it work? and Is Shopify the right platform for you?
DVISIONMEDIA's approach
At DVISIONMEDIA, we review every webshop across four areas before delivery, ranging from functionality and design to conversion and aesthetics. As a Shopify PLUS Partner, we build and optimize Shopify webshops, and we view the webshop as part of a cohesive system through our E-COM OSRead more about our Shopify services.
1. What should I test before my Shopify store goes live?
Test four areas: the homepage, collection pages, product pages, and the checkout flow. The checklist above covers 25 specific points across these areas.
2. Why should I test the cart and checkout instead of just the design?
Because a customer cannot make a purchase if the cart or payment process isn't working. Furthermore, unclear information regarding shipping and payment late in the process can cause customers to abandon their carts.
3. Should I test on mobile?
Yes. Many visitors shop on mobile, so the homepage and collection pages should be tested there.
4. Does the checklist cover domain, theme, and SEO setup?
No. It covers what the customer sees and does in the store. Setting up the domain, theme, and SEO is a separate task.
5. Who should test the webshop?
Ideally, someone with fresh eyes who didn't build the store and who goes through it just as a customer would.
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